Disk

Object Details

• Label

  The exterior of the disk depicts a winged male figure taming gazelles and a lion. This theme, the "master of the animals," has a long history in the ancient art of southwest Asia. It signified domination over wild or evil forces and suggests the function of the disk, perhaps a device for decorating a shield made of leather, metal, or wood. The disk was attached to another material by nails driven through the holes around the circumference.

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  Breath of Heaven, Breath of Earth: Ancient Near Eastern Art from American Collections (August 31 to December 22, 2013)

  Metalwork and Ceramics from Ancient Iran (November 19, 1992 to January 22, 2004)

  Nomads and Nobility: Art from the Ancient Near East (September 28, 1987 to November 1, 1992)

• Origin

  Northwest Iran

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Unclassified

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 0s, BCE 1000s

• Topic

  Iron Age III (ca. 800 - 500 BCE), Repoussé, Hammering, Art, Ancient Near Eastern Art, Iron Age II (ca. 1250 - 800 BCE), Chasing, Metal-work

• Culture

  Iranians, Middle Easterners

• Object Type

  Unclassified